Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Moby on July 14, 2023, 06:17:21 pm

Title: Flat towing behind a '93 U225, how much weight can I tow?
Post by: Moby on July 14, 2023, 06:17:21 pm
Simple question that is going to open a LOT of debate.

What is the MAXIMUM weight I can FLAT TOW with my '93 U225?

 Currently pulling #3900 on a dolly.  Really want to go to a Blue Ox or such.

Moby

Title edited for clarity and more eyes, by Moderator Jeff
Title: Re: Flat towing behind a '93 U225, how much weight can I tow?
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on July 15, 2023, 07:50:12 am
I know from previous Forum discussions, and my own research into the actual towing capacity of our U280, that factory documentation of tow rating for the early 1990's model coaches is hard to find.  Most owners, like me, end up playing a guessing game (or a game of "Chicken").

Weights. Towing vs GVWR. (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=37384)

Foretravel Vehicle Weight (https://web.archive.org/web/20200111051940/http://beamalarm.com/Documents/foretravel_vehicle_weight.html)

Title: Re: Flat towing behind a '93 U225, how much weight can I tow?
Post by: wolfe10 on July 15, 2023, 09:25:36 am
Yup, best to look at your previous discussion on this: Weights. Towing vs GVWR. (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=37384)

Also remember, the U225 does not have any form of "secondary braking" (no exhaust brake, no engine compression brake, no transmission retarder).  So whatever is being towed, it MUST have its own auxiliary braking system.
Title: Re: Flat towing behind a '93 U225, how much weight can I tow?
Post by: Gerry Vicha on July 15, 2023, 04:49:36 pm
I believe that as long as you do not exceed 350 lbs. tongue weight, and the unit/vehicle you are towing has a supplemental braking system, you can tow up to 10,000 lbs.
Title: Re: Flat towing behind a '93 U225, how much weight can I tow?
Post by: wolfe10 on July 15, 2023, 04:53:22 pm
I believe that as long as you do not exceed 350 lbs. tongue weight, and the unit/vehicle you are towing has a supplemental braking system, you can tow up to 10,000 lbs.

NO, that is clearly not the case for the U225 with its 230 HP Cummins B engine and 4 speed mechanical transmission.  Very different from the Foretravels with much larger drivetrains.

Moby's other thread referred to above (link) gives him the answers, as the GCWR is substantially lower than for larger Foretravels.